AgdaPkt 2003-08-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1.5- t next to other buildings. She is concerned about people looking at her backyard. Traffic is a major concern. Mark Affinito, 61 Avondale: Ms. Affinito feels that the Commission needs to look at the project very carefully. He has lived in the area for about two years, and that this is a young community. Kentucky Fried Chicken has created horrendous traffic problems. He feels that underground parking is not utilized and is concerned about the height of the building. The Commission should consider a much smaller building. Jeff Hollman, 61 Avondale: Mr. Hollman is concerned that the building is out of character and too big for the site. Perhaps a modified scale of the project, maybe shorter, and less visible would be better. Robert Corona, 3 Hyde St: Mr. Corona said that the project is too big for the space. He loves the neighborhood. Perhaps a two -story project, eliminating the apartments would be better. The biggest issue is the left turn from El Camino onto the subject property. He feels three stories is just too much. Commissioner Paulson asked what are the typical lot sizes for the single family homes in the area. (Someone from the audience answered but we could not hear the answer on the tape). (The average is about 8,000 sq.ft.) Commissioner Piulle asked staff if the third story would be eliminated then do we go back to a 40% FAR. Ms. Ekas said that the City does not allow 70% FAR on commercial projects on El Camino unless housing is also provided. Commissioner Foust asked when the Kentucky Fried Chicken was built. Carol Noes said that it was built probably between 1964 and 1965. Commissioner Foust asked Mr. Baer what type of commercial tenants would they have and how many. Mr. Baer said that the building is not a retail restaurant site. They are looking and committed to high end, low intensity commercial office uses that primarily serve companies. Commissioner Piulle made a comment that trees are usually the best way to protect privacy by screening views into people backyards. Commissioner McCoy agreed with Commissioner Piulle, and said that is not that bad of an issue. He feels the biggest issue is the scale of the building and traffic. It's one or the other, and that's a risk that we run as planners in the community. He said that a three -story building with vacant offices is not economically viable. He said that this is the reality of a modern dense peninsula development, and it means higher density projects with higher density housing.